NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Achieves Record-Breaking Close Encounter with the Sun
Science News

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Achieves Record-Breaking Close Encounter with the Sun

NASA's Parker Solar Probe Achieves Record-Breaking Close Encounter with the Sun

By Abdul Jabbar | New Wire
NASA has marked a historic milestone as its Parker Solar Probe survived the closest-ever approach to the Sun, venturing just 3.8 million miles (6.1 million kilometers) from its surface. The spacecraft successfully transmitted a signal back to Earth late on December 28, following a tense period of silence during its daring fly-by through the Sun’s intense heat and radiation.

The spacecraft, traveling at a staggering speed of 430,000 mph (692,000 kph), entered the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, on Christmas Eve. It withstood searing temperatures of up to 1,800°F (980°C) and unprecedented radiation levels, thanks to its 4.5-inch-thick (11.5 cm) carbon-composite heat shield.

Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe has completed 21 prior approaches to the Sun, each coming closer than before. However, its Christmas Eve fly-by shattered previous records, allowing it to collect groundbreaking data about the Sun’s mysterious corona and the solar wind—streams of charged particles continuously emitted by the star.

“This close-up exploration enables us to unravel some of the Sun’s most profound mysteries, like why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the surface or how solar wind particles accelerate to incredible speeds,” explained NASA.

Dr. Nicola Fox, NASA’s head of science, emphasized the significance of this mission: “For centuries, we’ve studied the Sun from afar, but you truly understand a place only when you visit it. Parker is allowing us to ‘touch’ the Sun and experience its environment like never before.”

The probe’s incredible journey also provides critical insights into space weather, which can disrupt Earth’s power grids, satellites, and communication systems. By understanding the dynamics of the solar wind, scientists hope to mitigate the potential impacts of solar storms on modern technology.

Astronomer Dr. Jenifer Millard highlighted a long-standing mystery the probe might help solve: “The Sun’s corona is astonishingly hotter than its surface, and we don’t yet know why. Parker’s data could be the key to unlocking this puzzle.”

NASA engineers celebrated as the probe emerged unscathed from its perilous encounter, confirming its resilience and robust design. Dr. Fox shared her relief and optimism, calling Parker Solar Probe a “tough little spacecraft” ready to continue its revolutionary mission to the heart of our solar system.

Read More News:

Azerbaijan Mourns Air Crash Victims as Speculations on Cause Intensify

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *